Which is what you'd expect, since Maccagnan drafted Hackenberg in Round 2 in 2016. Hackenberg has yet to appear in an NFL regular season game. He spent all season as the Jets' No. 3 quarterback, after failing badly in training camp during a competition to start.

"I think the book on Christian is not closed," Maccagnan told reporters Tuesday, during his season wrap-up press conference. "He's only 22 years old. He's made progress, made development. This is going to be a good offseason for him. We're kind of excited to see how he does with his second year in this [offensive] system, and he's going to have an opportunity in training camp to go out and play again. So we'll see how he develops going forward."

Maccagnan, to zero surprise, declined to express disappointment in Hackenberg.

"I don't think I'm neccesarily disappointed," Maccagnan said. "I don't think his final chapter has been written yet. This is going to be an important offseason for him. I think there's still potential in him."

Maccagnan punted on a question about whether it was a mistake to draft Hackenberg in Round 2, saying, "Every player is going to play out differently over time."

Hackenberg, who turns 23 next month, sure doesn't look like starting quarterback material. Which is why the Jets are expected to sign or draft a high-profile quarterback this offseason.

Presuming offensive coordinator John Morton sticks around for his second season with the Jets in 2018, Hackenberg would get another year in Morton's West Coast offense. Which could help.

After starter Josh McCown broke his hand in Week 14 at the Broncos, Jets coach Todd Bowles opted to go with backup Bryce Petty the rest of the way. Bowles did not play Hackenberg for even a snap. Maccagnan defers to Bowles on all decisions about who to start or play.

"Todd has always had the ability to determine who to play, and when the players are ready, he'll play them," Maccagnan said. "Everybody wants to see players play, but I trusted Todd to make those determinations when those guys are ready to play."

In keeping with his philosophy of not speculating about roster spots, Maccagnan declined to say if Hackenberg will be with the Jets in 2018. Ultimately, it would be a surprise if they didn't give him at least one more chance to show if he is any good.

"Like with any player, they develop at different paces," Maccagnan said. "There are areas that he's actually improved upon. In time, he's going to get the opportunity to go perform on the field. I think we kind of have a feel for him internally. I think when you look at his whole body of work, we've seen progression from Christian, from when we first got him."